Action Items
For the week of May 17-23, please complete the following item:
- Beware of signing petitions. As the election is drawing closer, more and more signature gatherers are out in public places seeking your signature. VoteSmartFlorida.org believes all signatures should be gathered fairly, honestly and lawfully under Florida’s election laws. Please notify VoteSmartFlorida.org and the Division of Elections if you see a petitioner who breaks them.
If you have questions about this Action Item, please email info@votesmartflorida.org or call 1-888-425-1234.
Campaign Update
Tallahassee-based partners in the VoteSmartFlorida.org Alliance met last Wednesday to discuss the status of the campaign, what was accomplished during the 2004 Legislative Session, and to exchange ideas and information as the campaign moves into its second phase of a three-part effort.
VoteSmartFlorida.org has nearly 60 alliance partners and has undeniably raised the level of attention and awareness about needed ballot initiative process reforms. Since its launch in January, the VoteSmartFlorida.org alliance has:
- Received more than 5,000 media hits on the issue;
- Received 1.3 million hits on its website;
- Conducted six statewide polls;
- Conducted 17 focus groups; and
- Made more than 20 editorial board visits
Essentially, the first phase of the campaign, to ensure checks and balances are in the system, is complete. VoteSmartFlorida.org now turns its attention to phase two—voter awareness, which includes a basic education component, exposing the constitutional amendment process, and supporting the proposed "No Surprises" amendment—a victory for the alliance this session.
Phase three involves voter choice and incorporates the use of electronic voter guides.
The campaign's legislative victory this session cannot be overlooked. If the VoteSmartFlorida.org Alliance was forced to get just one component of its reform package passed this session, the proposed "No Surprises" amendment is the best component to get singly. The 60 percent threshold measure is sound public policy; however, it is not significant solely, outside of the complete reform package. About 80 percent of the amendments already in Florida's Constitution would still remain, even if the 60 percent threshold measure had been in place.
About the Alliance
The Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce and Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce recently joined the Alliance. We are continuing our efforts to expand our Alliance. If you know of an organization that has not yet joined, please provide us with the contact information and we will forward recruitment information.
We encourage you to visit http://www.votesmartflorida.org/partners.asp <http://www.votesmartflorida.org/partners.asp> for regular updates.
If you have any questions about the information in this Alliance Update, please email VoteSmartFlorida.org at info@votesmartflorida.org <mailto:info@votesmartflorida.org> or call 1-888-425-1234.
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